Tissue tensioning electrotheraphy device

ABSTRACT

A tissue tensioning electrostimulator device. The device includes a plurality of laterally separable electrodes for placement against bodily tissue and for discharging electric current thereon. The device also includes a power circuit in electrical communication with the electrodes and electrically connectable to a power supply for energizing the electrodes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

(Not Applicable)

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

(Not Applicable)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electrotherapy devices, andmore particularly to an electrotherapy device which places bodily tissuein tension and applies an electric current to the tissue while it is intension. The disclosure herein is primarily directed to anelectrotherapy device for applying electric current to skin tissue,however, the device also has utility for applying electric current toother types of human or animal tissue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Topically applied electric current, or electrotherapy, is a well knowntechnique for treating a variety of medical conditions. For example, asdisclosed in Kogan (U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,349) and Stromer (U.S. Pat. No.5,304,207), electrotherapy can be useful for treating pain because it isbelieved that electric current interrupts pain signals transmitted bythe nervous system. Lathrop (U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,461) also disclosesthat topically applied electric current can be useful for the treatmentof lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus. In addition, Springer,Jr. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,357) discloses that electric current, whenapplied to certain points on the face of a patient, can be used to trainand condition facial muscles for improved facial skin tone.

Electrotherapy typically involves placement of one or more electrodesadjacent to the skin or tissue of a patient. For many electrotherapyprocedures, the actual target for the electric current is often disposedbelow the surface of the tissue. For instance, facial muscles are thetarget for the skin toning procedure disclosed in Springer. Likewise,nerves are the target for the pain treatment therapies described inStromer and Kogan. Consequently, it is critical that the electriccurrent reaches the intended target. In addition, sufficient currentmust arrive at the target site and the current must have an adequateenergy level to produce the desired response.

While there are a number of electrotherapy techniques and devices in theprior art, current electrotherapy procedures can be less effectivebecause some or all of the electricity propagates laterally across thetissue surface rather than into the depth of the tissue. Duringelectrotherapy, the contour of the tissue surface can significantlyinfluence propagation of the electric current. For example, on awrinkled surface, adjacent areas of the tissue are folded in closeproximity to the contact point of the electrodes. As a result,electricity may jump to the adjacent surface tissue rather thanpenetrate into the tissue depth. This tendency can be aggravated if theadjacent tissue surface is in contact with the target area, or ifelectrolytic fluids, such as perspiration and skin oils, are presentwithin the wrinkle crevices. In addition, some electrotherapy proceduresrequire the application of electrolytes to the target surface, and overapplication of the electrolytes can encourage the electricity topropagate laterally.

Wrinkles and folds in the tissue surface can also increase theelectrical resistance between the electrode and the underlying target.In many cases, the electrodes are larger than the span of wrinklecrevices, and the electrodes will normally seat atop the crests in thetissue surface. Consequently, there will be a greater depth of tissuematerial, and therefore greater electrical resistance, between theelectrode and the underlying target. In these circumstances, theelectric current is discouraged from penetrating towards the target, anda greater voltage may be required to ensure that the underlying targetis sufficiently energized.

In view of the above considerations, a primary object of the presentinvention is to provide an electrotherapy device which separateswrinkled and folded tissue for application of an electric currentthereon.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrotherapydevice in which the electrodes can be easily manipulated for tensioningthe tissue surface and separating wrinkled and folded tissue.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide anelectrotherapy device which is portable and can be operated with onehand.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide anelectrotherapy device which has pivotally adjustable electrodes foradvantageous placement of the electrodes against the skin of a patient.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparentthroughout the description thereof which now follows.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a tissue tensioning electrostimulator device.The device includes a plurality of laterally separable electrodes forplacement against bodily tissue and for discharging electric currentthereon. The device also includes a power circuit in electricalcommunication with the electrodes and electrically connectable to apower supply for energizing the electrodes. In the preferred embodiment,the device also has an adjuster for laterally moving the electrodes.

The power circuit can be configured to engage a battery power supply oran alternating current supply. For battery operation, the power circuitcan include an inverter for converting direct current power toalternating current power, and a selectively adjustable frequencyregulator for regulating the discharge current frequency. For operationwith an alternating current power source, the power circuit can beprovided with a power conditioner for regulating the voltage andamperage of the discharge current, and a selectively adjustablefrequency regulator for regulating the frequency of the dischargecurrent.

The device can also be provided with a hand held, hollow casing formounting the electrodes, adjuster, and power circuit therein. The casingcan include a hollow body portion and a hollow head portion from whichthe electrodes extend. In the preferred embodiment, the head portion isrotatably mounted to the body portion.

The tissue tensioning device here taught thus separates wrinkled andfolded tissue while discharging an electric current thereon. Inaddition, the device can be provided with a hand held casing and anadjuster so that the electrodes can be easily manipulated for tensioningthe skin and separating wrinkled and folded tissue. Furthermore, thecasing has a rotatable head portion to facilitate convenient placementof the electrodes upon bodily tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tissue tensioning electrotherapydevice;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 placed against thefacial tissue of a patient;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 1 showing a pair ofoscillating electrodes;

FIG. 4 is a frontal cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic of the electrical circuitry for the device of FIG.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, a tissue tensioning electrotherapy device 10is illustrated. The device 10 includes a pair of laterally separableelectrodes 12, that is, the discharge ends 14 of the electrodes 12 arefixed within a common plane of motion, and the discharge ends 14 arefree to move away from each other within that plane. The electrodes 12can be flexibly joined together for lateral separation within a commonplane, or the electrodes 12 can be mounted to a separate mountingstructure. As shown in FIG. 6, the device 10 also includes a powercircuit 16 electrically connected to the electrodes 12 and electricallyengageable with a power supply for energizing the electrodes 12.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the device 10 can be provided with amounting structure, which in the preferred embodiment is anon-conductive casing 18 having an interior chamber 20 within which theelectrodes 12 and power circuit 16 can be jet mounted. The casing 18 caninclude a body portion 22 and a head portion 24 rotatably attached tothe body portion 22. For this type of attachment, the head portion 24can be formed with a pair of opposed, threaded axle holes 26 and thebody portion 22 can be formed with a pair of opposed axle holes 28disposed for alignment with the threaded axle holes 26 about an axisA—A. With this configuration, the head portion 24 and body portion 22can be rotatably connected by inserting a pair of threaded cylindricalaxles 30 through the body axle holes 28, and then engaging the threadedaxles 30 within the threaded axle holes 26 of the head portion 24.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, the head portion 24 also has a pair oflaterally extending slots 32 sized to allow passage of the electrodes 12there through and to permit lateral motion of the electrodes 12. Withthis arrangement, the electrodes 12 can be placed opposite the tissue 34of a patient 36 by positioning the head portion 24 adjacent to thetissue 34. As particularly shown in FIG. 2, the head portion 24 can alsobe rotated to obtain a convenient orientation for placement against thetissue 34.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear portion 38 of the electrodes 12 canbe rotatably mounted to an interior wall 40 of the casing 18. For thistype of mounting, the rear portion 38 of each electrode 12 can be formedwith an aperture 42 for receiving respective ones of a pair of parallelmounting posts 44 extending from the interior wall 40. The length of theposts 44 and the depth of the chamber 20 can be selected to prevent theelectrodes 12 from coming off the posts 44. When fixed in this manner,the electrodes 12 are restricted to movement within a common plane B—B.In this particular embodiment, the electrodes 12 are also restricted toco-linear movement within the plane B—B. It is recognized, of course,that the electrodes 12 can be mounted by other methods and for othertypes of motion within a common plane. For example, the posts 44 can beoriented in non-parallel relationship to each other so the electrodes 12travel at an angle to each other. Moreover, three or more electrodes 12can be so mounted for movement within a common plane. Alternatively, therear portion 38 of the electrodes 12 can be provided with an axleprojection rotatable within a recess disposed in the interior wall 40 ofthe casing 18. Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 10 can beprovided with an adjuster 46 for laterally moving the electrodes 12. Asparticularly shown in FIG. 4, the adjuster 46 can include a pair of gripbuttons 48 rotatably mounted to the casing 18 and each having anattached linkage arm 50. The linkage arms 50 extend through respectivepassages 52 in the body portion 22 of the casing 18 for engagingrespective ones of the electrodes 12. When this type of adjuster isemployed, the electrodes 12 can be provided with a lever extension 54for engaging the linkage arm 50. The contact point between the extension54 and linkage arm 50 is disposed on the opposite side of the electroderotational axis relative to the discharge end 14 of the electrode 12. Inthis manner, depressing one or both of the grip buttons 48 separates thedischarge ends 14 of the electrodes 12. Thus, when the discharge ends 14are placed against the tissue 34 of the patient 36, the electrodes 12can be manipulated for placing the tissue 34 in moderate tension andthereby separating folds and wrinkles in the surface of the tissue 34.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the adjustor 46 can also include a pair ofsprings 56 each attached to respective ones of the electrodes 12 and torespective ones of the right interior wall 58 and left interior wall 60of the head portion 24. The length of the spring is sized to force theelectrodes 12 into a minimally separated position when the grip buttons48 are released. This position is defined by the size of the slots 32.It is recognized, of course, that other types of adjustors can also beemployed. For example, the adjuster may comprise a pair of rotatablymounted, cam shaped thumb dials disposed to contact respective ones ofthe lever extensions 54 such that rotation of the dials correspondinglyrotates the electrodes 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, the discharge ends 14 of the electrodes 12 can beformed in a generally oval shape to minimize pinching of the tissue 34when the electrodes 12 separate. In addition, the exterior surface 62 ofthe electrodes 12 can be smoothed and rounded so that movement of theelectrodes 12 is less likely to scratch or cut the target tissue.

The electrodes 12 can be constructed from any conductive material suchas copper, iron, and aluminum. The electrodes 12 should also beconstructed with sufficient stiffness for manipulating the tissuesurface. In addition, when the device 10 is provided with a rotatablecasing, the electrodes 12 should also be shaped and constructed to flexin unison with the head portion 24.

Referring to FIG. 6, the power circuit 16 is electrically connected tothe electrodes 12 and electrically engageable with a power supply. Inthe preferred embodiment, the device 10 includes an internally mountedbattery power supply 64, and the power circuit 16 has a first branch 66electrically connected to the battery power supply 64. The power circuit64 also has a second branch 68 electrically connected to an externalpower receptacle 70 disposed in the body portion 22 of the casing 18.The battery power supply 64 can be three 1.5 volt AAA batteriesconnected in series to obtain a 4.5 voltage differential. The receptacle70 can be configured for receiving and electrically engaging a standardplug (not shown) disposed on one end of a standard electrical cord (notshown). The opposite end of the cord can then be engaged with analternating current power source such as a standard home or office walloutlet (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 6, the first branch 66 can include a standard invertercircuit 72 for converting direct current power to alternating currentpower. The second branch 68 of the power circuit 16 can include astandard power conditioning, or rectifying, circuit 74 for regulatingthe voltage and amperage of the alternating current discharged by theelectrodes 12. The first branch 66 and second branch 68 are electricallyconnected to a power switch 76, and the switch 76 is electricallyconnected to the electrodes 12 by the main branch 78 of the powercircuit 16. In the preferred embodiment, the switch 76 has threeoperating states: a first position for disconnecting the main branch 78from the first and second branches 66,68 to de-energize the electrodes12, a second position for electrically connecting the main branch 78with the first branch 66 to energize the electrodes 12 from the batterypower supply 64, and a third position for electrically connecting themain branch 78 with the second branch 68 to energize the electrodes 12from an external power source.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the switch 76 can be provided with astandard push button operator 80 for selectively positioning the powerswitch 76 in the respective states. The operator 80 advances the switchfrom one position to the next in a repeating cycle. The switch 76 canalso be provided with a battery indicator light 82 and an external powerlight 84 which respectively illuminate to indicate that the device 10 isbattery powered or energized from an external power source. For thisswitch configuration, the casing 18 can be provided with an opening (notshown) for exposing the push button operator 80 and two holes (notshown) for exposing the battery indicator light 82 and the externalpower light 84. Referring again to FIG. 6, the main branch 78 of thepower circuit 16 can include a frequency regulator 86 for selectivelyregulating the frequency of the discharge current. The frequencyregulator 86 can be a standard frequency regulation circuit. In thepreferred embodiment, the frequency regulator 86 is adjustable to threedischarge current frequency settings: low frequency, mid-rangefrequency, and high frequency. Referring back to FIG. 1, the frequencyregulator 86 can be provided with three standard push button operators88, each associated with respective ones of the frequency settings. Thecasing 18 can also be provided with three apertures (not shown) forexposing the push button operators 88. In this manner, a user can selectthe desired discharge current frequency by pressing the appropriate pushbutton operator 88. It is recognized, of course, that the frequencyregulator 86 can be configured to permit other ranges of frequencyadjustment. For example, the frequency regulator 86 can be configuredfor incremental frequency adjustment with a dial adjustment mechanism.

It is also recognized that the device 10 can be configured to operateexclusively from battery power, or exclusively from an alternatingcurrent power source. If the device 10 is configured for batteryoperation alone, the second branch 68 of the power circuit 16 can beeliminated, and the first branch 66 could be configured to engage eitheran internal or external battery power supply. In addition, the frequencyregulator and inverter can be combined within a standard variablefrequency output inverter circuit. The switch 76 would also beconfigured with two operating states: a first position for energizingthe electrodes 12 from the battery power supply, and a second positionfor de-energizing the electrodes 12. Likewise, the switch 76 would onlyrequire one light to indicate that the device 10 is energized.

Similarly, the first branch 66 would be eliminated if the device 10 isconfigured to operate exclusively from an alternating current powersupply. The switch 76 would again be configured with two operatingstates: a first state for energizing the electrodes 12 from thealternating current power supply, and a second state for de-energizingthe electrodes 12. In addition, the switch 76 would only require onelight to indicate that the device 10 is energized.

It is likewise recognized that the device 10 can be configured todischarge direct current power exclusively or as an alternative toalternating current. If the device 10 will exclusively discharge directcurrent, the power circuit 16 can be configured so the electrodes 12 arein direct electrical communication with either an internally mountedbattery power supply or with an external battery power supply. For thismode of operation, the power circuit 16 could also include a dual statepower switch for energizing and de-energizing the electrodes 12. Thepower circuit 16 could also include a voltage regulator to regulate thedischarge voltage. If the device 10 is instead designed to dischargeeither alternating current or direct current, the power circuit 16 canbe configured with a direct current branch electrically connecting theelectrodes 12 with a direct current power source, and an alternatingcurrent branch for supplying the electrodes 12 with alternating current.The alternating current branch could either convert direct current powerto alternating current, or electrically connect with an alternatingcurrent power source. The power circuit would also include a three stateswitch for de-energizing the electrodes 12, energizing the electrodeswith direct current, or energizing the electrodes 12 with alternatingcurrent.

In operation, the user first places the electrodes 12 in contact withthe target tissue. If the device 10 is provided with a casing 18 asdescribed above, this can be accomplished by holding the body portion 22of the casing 18 and placing the head portion 24 adjacent the targettissue. Once the electrodes 12 are positioned, the user laterallyseparates the electrodes 12 to place the tissue in tension. When thedevice 10 is provided with the electrode adjuster 46 described above,the user can laterally move the electrodes 12 by depressing the gripbuttons 48 attached to the casing 18. Once the tissue is in tension, theuser energizes the electrodes 12 for discharging an electric current tothe targeted tissue.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the user can energize theelectrodes 12 with either an internally mounted battery power supply 64or an external alternating current source. To energize the electrodesfrom the battery power supply 64, the user depresses the power switchpush button operator 80 until the battery is electrically engaged withthe electrodes 12. The user will easily recognize battery engagement ifthe device 10 is provided with a battery power light 82. Otherwise, theuser can touch the electrodes to determine if the battery power supply64 is engaged. If the user prefers to energize the electrodes 12 with anexternal alternating current power source, the user can engage one endof a standard plug-in power cord within the receptacle 70, and engagethe opposite end of the cord with the external power source. Typically,the power cord will have a plug disposed on the opposite end forengaging a standard wall outlet.

Once the tissue 34 is electrified for a sufficient period of time, theelectrodes 12 are removed from the tissue surface and returned to theiroriginal position. In the preferred embodiment, the springs 56 of theadjustor 46 will urge the electrodes 12 into to their original positionwhen the grip buttons 48 are released. The process can then be repeatedat another targeted site.

In the above manner, the electrotherapy device tensions the tissue whilean electric current is applied thereon. In doing so, the deviceseparates tissue which has been folded together by wrinkles or saggingof the tissue. In addition, the tensioning process minimizes thedistance, and therefore the electrical resistance, between the electrodeand a target beneath the surface of the tissue. As a result, theelectric current is encouraged to propogate into the depth of the tissuerather than across the surface of the tissue so that the beneficialeffects of electrotherapy are enhanced.

Thus, while it is recognized that an illustrative and preferredembodiment has been described herein, it is likewise to be understoodthat the inventive concepts may be otherwise embodied and employed andthat the appended claims are intended to be construed to include suchvariations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tissue tensioning electrostimulator devicecomprising: a) a plurality of laterally separable electrodes for placingbodily tissue in tension and for discharging electric current thereon;and b) a power circuit in electrical communication with the electrodesand electrically connectable to a power supply.
 2. The device as claimedin claim 1 additionally comprising a mounting structure for fixing theelectrodes within a common plane of motion and an adjuster attached tothe mounting structure for moving the electrodes within the common planeof motion.
 3. The device as claimed in claim 2 additionally comprising abattery power supply electrically connected to the power circuit.
 4. Thedevice as claimed in claim 3 wherein the power circuit additionallycomprises an inverter electrically connected to the electrodes and thebattery power supply for converting direct current power to alternatingcurrent power.
 5. The device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the powercircuit additionally comprises a selectively adjustable frequencyregulator in electrical communication with the inverter and theelectrodes for regulating the frequency of the discharge current.
 6. Thedevice as claimed in claim 5 wherein the mounting structure is a casinghaving a head portion, a body portion, and an interior chamber sized formounting the electrodes, the frequency regulator, the inverter, and thebatteries therein.
 7. The device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the headportion of the casing is rotatably attached to the body portion of thecasing.
 8. The device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the power circuit iselectrically connectable with an external alternating current powersource.
 9. The device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the power circuitadditionally comprises a power conditioner electrically connected to theelectrodes for regulating the voltage and amperage of the dischargecurrent.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the power circuitadditionally comprises a selectively adjustable frequency regulator inelectrical communication with the power conditioner and the electrodesfor regulating the frequency of the discharge current.
 11. A method forelectrically stimulating body tissue, the method comprising the stepsof: a) placing the tissue in tension; b) applying an electric current tothe tissue while the tissue is tensioned.
 12. A method for electricallystimulating body tissue, the method comprising the steps of: a)providing an electrostimulator device having a plurality of laterallyseparable electrodes and a power circuit electrically connected to theelectrodes and electrically connectable to a power supply; b) placingthe electrodes in contact with the tissue of a patient; c) laterallymoving the electrodes to place the tissue in tension; d) electricallyconnecting the power circuit to a power supply and discharging anelectric current to the tissue while the tissue is in tension.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 wherein the device additionally comprises an adjusterfor laterally moving the electrodes.
 14. The method of claim 13 whereinstep (d) additionally comprises electrically connecting the powercircuit to a direct current power supply.
 15. The method of claim 14wherein the device additionally comprises an inverter in electricalcommunication with the direct current power supply and the electrodesfor converting direct current to alternating current.
 16. The method ofclaim 15 wherein the device additionally comprises a selectivelyadjustable frequency regulator in electrical communication with theinverter and the electrodes for regulating the frequency of thedischarge current.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the power circuitis electrically connected to an alternating current power supply. 18.The method of claim 17 wherein the device additionally comprises a powerconditioner in electrical communication with the electrodes forregulating the voltage and amperage of the discharge current.
 19. Themethod of claim 13 wherein the device additionally comprises aselectively adjustable frequency regulator for regulating the frequencyof the discharge current.
 20. A tissue tensioning electrostimulatordevice comprising: a) a plurality of laterally separable electrodes forplacing bodily tissue in tension and for discharging electric currentthereon; b) a power circuit in electrical communication with theelectrodes and electrically connectable to a power supply; and c) amounting structure for fixing the electrodes within a common plane ofmotion and an adjuster attached to the mounting structure for moving theelectrodes within the common plane of motion.
 21. The device as claimedin claim 20 additionally comprising a battery power supply electricallyconnected to the power circuit.
 22. The device as claimed in claim 21wherein the power circuit additionally comprises an inverterelectrically connected to the electrodes and the battery power supplyfor converting direct current power to alternating current power. 23.The device as claimed in claim 22 wherein the power circuit additionallycomprises a selectively adjustable frequency regulator in electricalcommunication with the inverter and the electrodes for regulating thefrequency of the discharge current.
 24. The device as claimed in claim23 wherein the mounting structure is a casing having a head portion, abody portion, and an interior chamber sized for mounting the electrodes,the frequency regulator, the inverter, and the batteries therein. 25.The device as claimed in claim 24 wherein the head portion of the casingis rotatably attached to the body portion of the casing.
 26. The deviceas claimed in claim 20 wherein the power circuit is electricallyconnectable with an external alternating current power source.
 27. Thedevice as claimed in claim 26 wherein the power circuit additionallycomprises a power conditioner electrically connected to the electrodesfor regulating the voltage and amperage of the discharge current. 28.The device as claimed in claim 27 wherein the power circuit additionallycomprises a selectively adjustable frequency regulator in electricalcommunication with the power conditioner and the electrodes forregulating the frequency of the discharge current.
 29. A method forelectrically stimulating body tissue, the method comprising the stepsof: a) providing an electrostimulator device having a plurality oflaterally separable electrodes, an adjuster for laterally moving theelectrodes, and a power circuit electrically connected to the electrodesand electrically connectable to a power supply; b) placing theelectrodes in contact with the tissue of a patient; c) laterally movingthe electrodes to place the tissue in tension; d) electricallyconnecting the power circuit to a power supply and discharging anelectric current to the tissue while the tissue is in tension.
 30. Themethod of claim 29 wherein step (d) additionally comprises electricallyconnecting the power circuit to a direct current power supply.
 31. Themethod of claim 30 wherein the device additionally comprises an inverterin electrical communication with the direct current power supply and theelectrodes for converting direct current to alternating current.
 32. Themethod of claim 31 wherein the device additionally comprises aselectively adjustable frequency regulator in electrical communicationwith the inverter and the electrodes for regulating the frequency of thedischarge current.
 33. The method of claim 29 wherein the power circuitis electrically connected to an alternating current power supply. 34.The method of claim 33 wherein the device additionally comprises a powerconditioner in electrical communication with the electrodes forregulating the voltage and amperage of the discharge current.
 35. Themethod of claim 29 wherein the device additionally comprises aselectively adjustable frequency regulator for regulating the frequencyof the discharge current.